Aelys M. Humphreys

Evolutionary consequences of repeated loss of distyly in Linum

This study investigates the genomic consequences of repeated loss of distyly in Linum species, finding mixed evidence for relaxed selection and no clear genomic signature of selfing in homostylous lineages.

Testing for trait lability at macroevolutionary scales: is life history evolution labile in grasses?

The paper evaluates methods for detecting trait lability in grasses, finding inconsistent results across approaches and suggesting life history is stable in some clades.

Drought tolerance as an evolutionary precursor to frost and winter tolerance in grasses

The paper investigates whether drought tolerance preceded frost and winter tolerance in grasses, finding mixed evolutionary trajectories and supporting ancestral drought tolerance as a facilitator for cold biome transitions in some clades.

Nuclear phylogenomics of grasses (Poaceae) supports current classification and reveals repeated reticulation

This study constructs a nuclear phylogeny of grasses using genome-scale data, showing agreement with plastome phylogeny and evidence for repeated reticulation events.

Evolution of frost and drought responses in cool season grasses (Pooideae): was drought tolerance a precursor to frost tolerance?

The paper tests if drought tolerance preceded frost tolerance in grasses but finds they evolved independently.